Speech at Hong Kong Baptist University Founders' Day Reception

19 March 2008 (Wednesday)

Hong Kong Baptist University Founders’ Day Reception

Speech by Mr. Michael M.Y. Suen, GBS, JP

Secretary for Education

Wilfred (Wong), Professor Ng, David (Li), Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is my pleasure to join all of you today to celebrate the 52nd anniversary of the Hong Kong Baptist University .

In Hong Kong , education is our top policy priority, with about a quarter of the Government’s recurrent expenditure being provided for its delivery.  Our investment in human capital in this regard is the key for the retention of our competitive edge enjoyed by our tertiary institutions in striving for excellence in teaching and research.  Their achievements have provided a solid foundation for developing Hong Kong into a regional education hub.  This is especially crucial in ensuring that Hong Kong will not lose out in the global competition for talents and in turn enhance our competitiveness in the long run.

Throughout its long history, the Hong Kong Baptist University and its predecessor are committed to providing high quality and whole-person education to our young generation.  The University has strengthened our pool of human capital through its holistic and all-round approach of teaching and learning.  Its academic strengths, in particular in the field of Communications, are well recognized by the local community.  The talented and competent graduates it has produced over the years are contributing their skills and knowledge in various fields in the society, bearing testimony to the University’s success in nurturing future leaders for our community.

Baptist University is also the pioneering tertiary institution in Hong Kong in the field of Chinese medicine education.  Through the provision of a wide range of programmes, the University’s School of Chinese Medicine provides high quality training for existing practitioners as well as new blood for the profession.  The School is also working closely with renowned international institutions on scientific researches and developments in Chinese medicine.

I would like to congratulate Baptist University and its Council members, staff, students and alumni on your outstanding achievements, as well as your insight and commitment to promoting quality education and research in Hong Kong .  It is through your hard work and dedication that the Baptist University has now established its current status in Hong Kong and the region.  I am confident that the University will scale new heights in the years to come.   Thank you.